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ANNUAL REPORT 2020 TNMOT ANNUAL REPORT 2020 MISSION The National Museum of Transportation will be the leader in protecting and interpreting our North American transportation heritage. As stewards of our heritage, we will provide engaging education programs, create interactive and interpretive exhibits, and conserve transportation history for the next generations. 2 TNMOT ANNUAL REPORT 2020 From the Executive Director & Board of Directors The past year has been one of incredible challenges for the National Museum of Transportation and our community. Like every one of us, the actions of the Museum during 2020 were shaped by the overwhelming effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In support of public health, TNMOT closed our doors to visitors from March 16 to June 15, 2020. The Museum reopened following numerous facility modifications and reduced activities and capacity. Out of an abundance of caution, field trips, events, in-person group tours, birthday parties, summer camps, and facility rentals were postponed through the rest of the year and remained largely postponed. Despite these difficulties, we have risen to the occasion again and again to continue serving our community in new and creative ways. During the stay-at-home mandate, we provided increased content on our social media channels, allowing supporters to stay connected. We increased our outdoor attractions, including the development of new walking programs, scavenger hunts, and the summertime Camp Creation Station, in order to encourage guests to enjoy activities with a low risk of exposure. We also debuted The Sanford N. McDonnell Tribute Exhibit and are currently preparing to open American Design, Performance, and Luxury: A Snapshot of the Cadillac later this month. We moved forward on or completed a number of restoration projects to support the continued conservation of our artifacts. Come what may, the Museum remains committed to our mission: “to be the leader in protecting and interpreting North America’s transportation heritage.” We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our members and donors who sustained our work in 2020. Though the pandemic continues to affect everyday life in St. Louis, we are seeing signs of positive changes and looking ahead to a bright year filled with new opportunities and exhibits. Several foundations and individuals are making it possible for us to grow our educational programs as well as improve the Museum. We would like to say a special thank you to Mr. Randy McDonnell, Emerson Electric, Mr. Rick Pfarr, the Bluewater Michigan Chapter NRHS, Mrs. Joseph F. Gleason, the Union Pacific Foundation, the James Family, Mr. and Mrs. Don Ross, Dr. and Mrs. Darryl Ross, and the Saigh Foundation. This brief report highlights just some of the many accomplishments of 2020. Moving forward together, we know there are many good things to come. 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 COVID-19 Stay flexible and always have a Plan B This was the year of planning and then planning again. While federal, state, and local government mandates were always changing, the Museum Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers continued to move forward. In response to Covid-19, The National Museum of Transportation closed on March 16, 2020. While we were closed, the Buildings & Grounds crew used the time to paint artifacts, benches, handrails, and high traffic areas. The Administration and Education staffs designed programs and projects for reopening that enabled guests to socially distance and/or to stay outdoors as much as possible. Programs included an outdoor ‘Creation Station,’ a socially distanced story time, and a walking program that encouraged guests to take 2,000,000 steps this summer on our campus. Additionally, we realized the entire community was hurting. We wanted to help. The Museum hosted two Red Cross Blood Drives this year and donated gently used toys to local shelters. The Development Office continued to raise funds throughout the year through online auctions, raffles, donor solicitations, and annual giving. While we continue to evaluate the long-term financial impact of Covid-19 on the Museum, our Mission and Goal remain the same... 4 TNMOT ANNUAL REPORT 2020 RESTORATION Aerotrain Restoration Begins The Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific Railroad #3 (the Aerotrain) is one of TNMOT’s most popular artifacts. Situated along the miniature train route, this sleek mid-century modern train has been a part of our collection since its retirement from service in 1966. Now, with the support of generous donors and tireless volunteers, the Aerotrain is getting the much-needed conservation work that will support its continued exhibition for years to come. Since spring 2020, volunteers have stripped the original paint, cut away and replaced rusted metal with new steel, and completed needed body work. By the end of the year, approximately two-thirds of the locomotive had been primed in anticipation of a final repainting of the exterior. All of the work completed on this project has been performed by volunteers who anticipate the project to be completed in summer 2021. TNMOT would like to thank the Bluewater Michigan Chapter NRHS, The National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), and the Tom E. Dailey Foundation for their generous financial support. 5 TNMOT ANNUAL REPORT 2020 RESTORATION Other Artifact Restoration Projects in 2020 In addition to the work completed on the Aerotrain, Museum staff and dedicated volunteers continued restoration work on a number of other artifacts from our collection. The Union Tank Lines #14387 and #3882 and the URTX #37467 Milwaukee Road refrigerated car were repainted. All three artifacts are exhibited near the Barrett Station building. Restoration work continued on the Kansas City Birney streetcar. Trolley volunteers replaced needed structural steel and diagnosed issues with the streetcar’s electrical system. Volunteers also continued restoration work on the Baltimore & Ohio #173 Camelback engine. In 2020, the wood frame on the tender was reconstructed and wood was replaced and refinished on the cab. Finally, in early 2020, restoration work was completed on the 1965 Divco Twin Model U dairy truck. A group of dedicated volunteers donated more than 1,000 hours to restore the body, chassis, and interior. 6 TNMOT ANNUAL REPORT 2020 RESTORATION Outdoor Artifact Labels Replacement Project In August 2020, TNMOT was awarded a Museums for America grant from the federally- funded Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This $45,000 grant will support the research, writing, and replacement of signage on more than 100 outdoor artifacts. Each of our rail heritage artifacts will receive a new label, replacing the familiar yellow signs which have served Museum visitors for more than 20 years. Work is already underway on this project and completion of the labels is expected in summer 2023. Congresswoman Ann Wagner phones The National Museum of Transportation staff informing them the Museum would receive nearly $45,000 in federal funds for new outdoor exhibit signage. 7 TNMOT ANNUAL REPORT 2020 EDUCATION & EXHIBITS Opening of the Sanford N. McDonnell Tribute Exhibit The Sanford N. McDonnell Tribute Exhibit highlights information and models that showcase the extraordinary history of McDonnell Aircraft Corp. and the McDonnell Douglas Corp. We take a glimpse into the exceptional legacy of Sanford N. McDonnell and the impact his leadership and character made on our community and the country. We are incredibly thankful to Mr. Randy McDonnell for his generous loan of this extensive collection. The National Museum of Transportation is honored to have the opportunity to share the private collection of American aviation history. Return of the Y6a After being loaned out for five years to the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the #2156 steam locomotive returned to The National Museum of Transportation (TNMOT) on June 15, 2020. Oh, the joy and excitement about having the Y6a back on track at TNMOT in St. Louis, MO! 8 TNMOT ANNUAL REPORT 2020 EDUCATION & EXHIBITS Pop-Up Creation Station In order to increase outdoor activities in 2020, the Museum opened the pop-up Camp Creation Station over the summer. When the Museum decreased availability at the indoor Creation Station, visitors were able to enjoy the outdoor Camp Creation Station. Storytime Miss Sue’s Crayon Caboose was a new addition to our offered children’s activities in 2020. This story time and maker space featured a transportation-themed story read by Miss Sue and an accompanying craft! SPARK! Independent Field Trip Program The Museum worked with SPARK! Students from Parkway Schools to develop a hands-on learning activity for use during Museum field trips. These dedicated high school students, as a part of SPARK!, set out to design mutually beneficial learning experiences with community partners. We are so very grateful for the hard work that these students did, and know that their activity booklet will be enjoyed for years to come. Work, and the Vehicles that Get the Job Done! Our 2020 featured exhibit, titled Work, and the Vehicles that Get the Job Done! featured a number of unique vehicles. Among them: a hand-cranked portable gas dispenser, a Willys fire truck, a Good Humor trike and a Consolidated Service Car Co. automobile. 9 TNMOT ANNUAL REPORT 2020 EDUCATION & EXHIBITS ALL ABOARD In 2020, TNMOT launched ALL Aboard, a complimentary admission program benefiting children in need. Beneficiaries include children who come from low-income families, live in foster care, or who are managing a medical crisis. Working with partner agencies, TNMOT distributed 7,500 tickets free of charge which can be redeemed any day the Museum is open, allowing children and families to engage with the Museum on days and times that best suit their schedule. TNMOT would like to thank our 2020 partner programs for their guidance and support – Angel Arms, the Bennett Project, CharacterPlus, Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition, Our Little Haven, and Rainbows for Kids. While Covid-19 has significantly impacted the first year of the program, the Museum is making plans to welcome ALL Aboard guests whenever they are ready to visit.